12 Tenses Quiz: Test Your Grammar Skills

Reviewed by Juliette Firla
Juliette Firla, MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
Review Board Member
Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.
Meet Our Review Board Members
, MA (Teaching Writing)
By Ben_nesbit
B
Ben_nesbit
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 83,492
| Attempts: 84,211
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/25 Questions

    Class starts at seven o'clock.

    • Simple Present
    • Present Continuous
    • Present Perfect
    • Present Perfect Continuous
    • Future Perfect
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Are you confident in your knowledge of the 12 English tenses? Test your grammar skills with this 12 tenses quiz and see how well you understand past, present, and future tenses. No matter if you're a student, teacher, or language enthusiast, this quiz will challenge your grasp of verb forms and sentence structure.

Each question is carefully designed to help you learn while having fun. Plus, with our 12 tenses quiz with answers, you won’t just guess—you’ll gain clear explanations to improve your understanding. Perfect for learners of all levels, this quiz is a great way to sharpen your English skills. Ready to prove your expertise? Take the quiz now!

12 Tenses Quiz: Test Your Grammar Skills - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    Class starts at seven o'clock.

    • Simple Present

    • Present Continuous

    • Present Perfect

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Present
    Explanation
    The correct tense here is Simple Present, as it describes a habitual action or general truth. The use of "starts" in this context indicates a regular occurrence, implying that the class begins at seven o'clock on a routine basis. The simple present tense is commonly used to talk about schedules or regular events, making it the appropriate choice for stating that the class consistently starts at a specific time.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Next February I will visit Japan.

    • Simple Future

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Future
    Explanation
    The sentence expresses a planned action that will happen in the future (visiting Japan). The simple future tense ("will visit") is used to describe actions that are intended to occur at a specific time in the future. In this particular instance, the action is scheduled to happen next February. This tense is often used to discuss planned events, predictions, or promises, all of which fit the context here as the speaker is planning a trip to Japan.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    While Jin-su was laughing, milk came out of his nose.

    • Simple Past

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    Correct Answer
    A. Past Continuous
    Explanation
    The past continuous tense is used in this sentence to describe an ongoing action that was happening in the past (Jin-su laughing) when another action occurred (milk coming out of his nose). The use of "while" indicates that the action of laughing was in progress at a specific point in the past. The past continuous tense effectively conveys the idea that the laughter was an ongoing event that was interrupted by the sudden, unexpected action of the milk coming out of his nose.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    The fantastic music of Dong Bong Stinky had been playing on the radio for years before finally someone destroyed the radio station.

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Past Perfect Continuous
    Explanation
    The use of "had been playing" indicates an ongoing action in the past. This suggests that the fantastic music of Dong Bong Stinky was playing on the radio for a continuous period of time before the radio station was destroyed. The Past Perfect Continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past, continued for a period of time, and was still ongoing at a specific point in the past.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    Because of the cold weather, Jin-su has been feeling tired.

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Present Perfect

    • Simple Present

    • Present Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Present Perfect Continuous
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Present Perfect Continuous because it indicates an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. The sentence states that Jin-su has been feeling tired lately, suggesting that this feeling of tiredness started in the past and continues to the present moment. This tense is used to emphasize the duration of an action that began in the past and has relevance to the present. It helps convey that Jin-su's tiredness has been a persistent issue for some time now. 

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    The students will have graduated college by 2020.

    • Future Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Future Perfect

    • Simple Future

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Perfect
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Future Perfect because the sentence is talking about an action that will be completed in the future (graduating college) before a specific time (2020). The Future Perfect tense is used to express an action that will be finished before a certain point in the future. In this case, the action of graduating college will be completed by 2020.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Even when other kids pick on him, Jin-su is always smiling. Identify the tense of "is always smiling" in this sentence. 

    • Present Continuous

    • Present Perfect

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Present

    Correct Answer
    A. Present Continuous
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Present Continuous" because the phrase "is always smiling" describes an ongoing action happening in the present. Jin-su's constant smiling is presented as an activity currently taking place, reflecting an action happening at the time of speaking. The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are in progress or ongoing around the present moment. In this context, Jin-su's smiling is continuous, indicating that it occurs regularly even when other kids pick on him, showcasing his positive demeanor.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    Even if you don't want to, you will be studying English until you finish college.

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Simple Future

    • Future Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Continuous
    Explanation
    The correct tense is Future Continuous, used to describe an ongoing action that will take place in the future. The phrase "will be studying" suggests that the action of studying English will be continuous and in progress until the person completes their college education. This tense is perfect for emphasizing the duration and ongoing nature of an activity that extends into the future, making it clear that studying will persist until college is finished.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Upon my arrival home yesterday, I sat on the sofa, watched TV and fell asleep within 20 minutes.

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Past
    Explanation
    The sentence uses the Simple Past tense to describe a sequence of events that took place in the past. The speaker's arrival home, sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and falling asleep all occurred within a specific time frame. The simple past tense is used to indicate that these actions were completed in the past, with a focus on the sequence of events rather than their duration, making it the appropriate choice.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Even if you don't want to, you will be studying English until you finish college.

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Simple Future

    • Future Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Continuous
    Explanation
    The past continuous tense is used in this sentence to describe an ongoing action that was happening in the past (Jin-su laughing) when another action occurred (milk coming out of his nose). The use of "while" indicates that the action of laughing was in progress at a specific point in the past. The past continuous tense effectively conveys the idea that the laughter was an ongoing event that was interrupted by the sudden, unexpected action of the milk coming out of his nose.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    Upon my arrival home yesterday, I sat on the sofa, watched TV and fell asleep within 20 minutes.

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Past
    Explanation
    The sentence uses the Simple Past tense to describe a sequence of completed actions that happened in the past. The speaker describes arriving home, sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and then falling asleep, all occurring within a 20-minute time frame. The simple past tense is ideal for indicating actions that started and ended in the past, particularly when the focus is on the sequence of events that happened.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    Even when other kids pick on him, Jin-su is always smiling.

    • Present Continuous

    • Present Perfect

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Present

    Correct Answer
    A. Present Continuous
    Explanation
    The Present Continuous tense is correct here because the phrase "is always smiling" describes an ongoing action happening at the current moment. Jin-su's constant smiling is presented as an ongoing activity that occurs even when other kids pick on him. The present continuous tense highlights actions that are happening now or are ongoing, which is fitting for this context where Jin-su's perpetual smiling is being emphasized.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    The mosquitoes had been sucking blood from my forehead for nearly two hours before I finally woke up.

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Past

    • Past Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Past Perfect Continuous
    Explanation
    The use of "had been sucking" indicates that the action of mosquitoes sucking blood from the forehead had started in the past and was ongoing until the speaker finally woke up. The past perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past, continued for a period of time, and was still happening at a specific point in the past. In this case, the action of the mosquitoes sucking blood had been happening for nearly two hours before the speaker woke up.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    She ate the chocolate.

    • Simple Past

    • Simple Present

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Past
    Explanation
    The sentence "She ate the chocolate" is in the Simple Past tense. This tense is used to describe a completed action that occurred at a specific time in the past. The verb "ate" is the past tense form of "eat," indicating that the action of consuming the chocolate has already happened and is now finished. The Simple Past tense is ideal for discussing actions or events that took place in the past and are no longer ongoing. It provides a clear and concise way to convey that the action of eating the chocolate was completed at a particular time in the past.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    By the end of this class, you will have taken a difficult verb tense quiz.

    • Simple Future

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Perfect
    Explanation
    The sentence indicates that the action of taking the quiz will be completed by a specific time in the future (the end of the class). This completion of an action in the future is expressed using the future perfect tense, which is formed with "will have" + past participle of the verb. For example, "By the end of class, I will have completed the quiz" shows that the action of completing the quiz will be finished by a specific time in the future. This tense is commonly used to indicate completion of an action before a specified time in the future. 

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    By January 2010, Jin-su will have studied English for five years.

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Simple Future

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Perfect
    Explanation
    The sentence states that by January 2010, Jin-su will have studied English for five years. This indicates an action that will be completed in the future. The future perfect tense is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. Therefore, the correct answer is Future Perfect. The future perfect tense is formed by using "will have" followed by the past participle of the verb. It is commonly used to show completion of an action before a certain point in time. 

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    I will become a teacher. 

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Future

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Future
    Explanation
    The sentence "I will become a teacher" is in the Simple Future tense, used to express a clear, straightforward action or state that will happen in the future. In this instance, the speaker is making a declaration about their future career goal of becoming a teacher. The use of "will become" indicates an intention or plan set for the future. The Simple Future tense is commonly employed to talk about future plans, predictions, or promises, making it suitable for conveying the speaker's aspiration to pursue a teaching career.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    Jin-su had had that same purple t-shirt with white stripes for six years.

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Past Perfect
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Past Perfect because it is used to describe an action that happened before another past action or time. In this sentence, Jin-su had the purple t-shirt for six years, indicating that the ownership of the t-shirt started in the past and continued until the present moment being referred to. The Past Perfect tense is formed by using "had" followed by the past participle of the main verb. It helps to show the sequence of events in the past clearly. 

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    I was getting bitten by mosquitoes all night, so I decided to just get up.

    • Past Perfect Continuous

    • Past Continuous

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    Correct Answer
    A. Past Continuous
    Explanation
    The sentence "I was getting bitten by mosquitoes all night, so I decided to just get up" uses the Past Continuous tense. This tense describes an ongoing action in the past, often with a specific time reference ("all night" in this case). The verb form "was getting" indicates that the action (being bitten by mosquitoes) was in progress for a certain duration in the past. The other verb "decided" is in the Simple Past tense, marking a completed action that occurred after the ongoing event.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    I have heard the music of M.C. Mong and I like it.

    • Present Perfect

    • Past Perfect

    • Simple Past

    • Present Continuous

    • Past Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Present Perfect
    Explanation
    The sentence states that the speaker has heard the music of M.C. Mong and likes it. The use of "have heard" indicates that the action of hearing the music occurred at an unspecified time in the past, but is still relevant to the present. The present perfect tense is used to express an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has just been completed. Therefore, the use of present perfect tense in this sentence accurately conveys the idea that the speaker's experience of hearing the music is ongoing or recent.

    Rate this question:

  • 22. 

    Dong-Bang Stinky will be coming to come to my house next week.

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Future

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Continuous
    Explanation
    The phrase "will be coming" indicates the Future Continuous tense. This tense is used to describe an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. In this case, it suggests that Dong-Bang Stinky's visit to your house is anticipated to be happening at some point next week. The Future Continuous tense effectively communicates the idea of an ongoing action or event that is expected to take place in the future. It adds a sense of duration and continuity to the anticipated arrival, highlighting that the visit will be an active, ongoing event.

    Rate this question:

  • 23. 

    Dong-Bang Stinky will be coming to my house next week.

    • Future Continuous

    • Future Perfect

    • Future Perfect Continuous

    • Simple Future

    Correct Answer
    A. Future Continuous
    Explanation
    The sentence "Dong-Bang Stinky will be coming to my house next week." uses the Future Continuous tense. This tense is used to describe actions that will be ongoing at a specific time in the future. In this case, the sentence indicates that at some point next week, the action of Dong-Bang Stinky coming to your house will be in progress. This fits perfectly with the structure and use of the Future Continuous tense.

    Rate this question:

  • 24. 

    These days, the rain forests are being destroyed, which is a major contributor to global warming.

    • Present Continuous

    • Simple Present

    • Present Perfect

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Present Continuous
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Present Continuous" because the sentence is referring to an ongoing action of rainforest destruction in the present time. The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the current time. In this case, the destruction of rainforests is an ongoing process that is contributing to global warming.

    Rate this question:

  • 25. 

    At least twice a day, my patience is tested by middle school students.

    • Present Perfect

    • Simple Present

    • Present Perfect Continuous

    • Present Continuous

    Correct Answer
    A. Simple Present
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Simple Present" because the sentence describes a habitual action that occurs at least twice a day. The use of "is tested" indicates an ongoing action, which is characteristic of the simple present tense. Additionally, the lack of any specific time frame in the sentence suggests a general truth or fact, which is another characteristic of the simple present tense. This tense is commonly used to describe routines, habits, and general truths. 

    Rate this question:

Juliette Firla |MA (Teaching Writing) |
English Teacher
Juliette is a middle school English teacher at Sacred Heart of Greenwich, Connecticut. Juliette earned a BA in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from Elon University and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Classroom Teacher license from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Juliette possesses strong skills in English language arts, writing, editing, and literature study. She has a deep passion for working with young people and contributing to the education of America's youth in the classroom.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jan 29, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 29, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Juliette Firla
  • Nov 18, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Ben_nesbit
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.